Born Again Furniture: How to Restore and Reupholster Pieces in South Carolina
What Born Again Furniture Does
Born Again Furniture is a reupholstery and furniture restoration shop in South Carolina that takes worn, outdated, or damaged pieces and rebuilds them from the frame up. The shop strips furniture to its wooden skeleton, repairs or replaces the internal structure, adds new padding and springs, and covers everything with fabric you choose. The result is a piece that looks and feels new but keeps the bones and character of the original.
The work is different from refinishing wood or simple cleaning. Born Again Furniture handles the full rebuild: repairing broken frames, replacing webbing and springs that have sagged or broken, installing fresh batting and cushioning, and upholstering with new fabric. If a chair or sofa has sentimental value, structural problems, or a style you love but can't find new, this is the route that makes sense.
Key Takeaways
- Born Again Furniture strips pieces to the frame, repairs structural damage, and rebuilds the interior before upholstering with your choice of fabric.
- The process takes several weeks and costs vary widely depending on the size of the piece, the condition of the frame, and the fabric you select.
- You can bring in a piece you own, or work with the shop to source a frame that matches the style you want.
- The shop is located in South Carolina and works with customers on design choices, fabric samples, and timeline before work begins.
When to Choose Reupholstery Over Replacement
Reupholstery makes the most sense when the frame is solid, the piece has bones worth keeping, or the cost of a new equivalent would be higher. A mid-century sofa with a broken frame but good proportions, a family heirloom chair with worn fabric, or a thrift-store find with potential are all good candidates. If the frame is cracked, warped, or rotting, repair becomes expensive and may not be worth it—Born Again Furniture can assess this during an initial conversation.
The other reason to reupholster is choice. New furniture in a specific style, size, or fabric combination can be hard to find or very costly. Reupholstery lets you keep a piece you know works in your space and update it to match your current taste or décor. You also avoid the waste of sending a structurally sound piece to a landfill.
What the Reupholstery Process Involves
The work starts with an inspection. Born Again Furniture examines the frame for damage, checks the springs and webbing, and determines what needs repair or replacement. If the frame is solid, the shop removes the old fabric, batting, and padding down to the wood. Any broken joints are glued and clamped, and damaged webbing or springs are replaced.
Next comes rebuilding the interior. New webbing is stretched across the frame to support the springs. Springs are tied in place using traditional methods or replaced if damaged. Fresh batting and cushioning layers are added on top. Finally, the new fabric is cut, fitted, and stapled or sewn to the frame, with seams and details matched to the style of the piece.
The timeline depends on the shop's workload and the complexity of the piece. Most projects take four to eight weeks from drop-off to pickup. Fabric choice, any custom details, and the condition of the frame can extend or shorten that window.
Choosing Fabric and Design Details
Born Again Furniture works with you to select fabric before work begins. The shop can show samples in person or discuss options by phone or email. Fabric choices range from budget-friendly performance fabrics that resist stains to high-end designer textiles. The cost of the fabric is separate from the labor and is added to your final bill.
You can also choose details like nail head trim, piping, button tufting, or contrasting fabric on the back or underside. These options add to the cost but let you customize the piece to match your style. The shop will discuss what is practical for your piece and what the additional cost would be.
Cost and What Affects the Price
Reupholstery costs vary widely and depend on several factors. A simple dining chair might cost less than a large sectional sofa. The condition of the frame matters—if springs need replacing or joints need repair, labor time increases. Fabric price ranges from affordable to premium, and that is your choice. Custom details like piping or tufting add to the bill.
Born Again Furniture typically provides an estimate after seeing the piece or after a detailed conversation about its condition and your choices. Some shops ask for a deposit to hold your spot in the schedule. Ask about payment terms and whether the estimate is binding or subject to change if hidden damage is found during the work.
How to get your free guide with Born Again Furniture
Contact Born Again Furniture directly to discuss your piece. You can bring it in for an in-person inspection, or describe it in detail by phone or email with photos. The shop will ask about the condition, the style, and what you want the finished piece to look like. If you do not have a piece yet but want to reupholster something specific, the shop may be able to help you source a frame.
Once you decide to move forward, you will drop off the piece, select your fabric and any custom details, and agree on a timeline and cost. The shop will keep you updated as work progresses and will contact you when the piece is ready for pickup.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my furniture frame is worth reupholstering?
Born Again Furniture can tell you after an inspection. Solid hardwood frames, good joinery, and sound springs are signs the piece is worth the investment. Frames that are cracked, warped, or made of particle board may not be worth repairing. Bring the piece in or send photos and a description, and the shop can give you an honest answer.
Can I bring in my own fabric, or do I have to choose from what the shop offers?
Most reupholstery shops allow you to bring your own fabric, though some charge a small upcharge for labor if you do. Ask Born Again Furniture about their policy. If you want to source fabric yourself, the shop can tell you how much yardage you need and any specifications about weight or durability.
What if I want to match the original style but update the fabric?
Born Again Furniture can replicate the original details—seams, piping, button placement, and trim—while using new fabric. Bring photos or the original piece, and discuss what you want to keep and what you want to change. The shop can advise on fabric choices that will work with the style.
How long does reupholstery usually take?
Most projects take four to eight weeks, depending on the shop's schedule and the complexity of the piece. Simpler chairs may be faster; large sectionals or pieces needing extensive frame repair may take longer. Ask for a timeline estimate when you drop off your piece.
What happens if damage is found inside the frame during the work?
Born Again Furniture will contact you to discuss the damage and the cost to repair it. Some estimates include a clause allowing for additional charges if hidden damage is discovered. Ask about this upfront so there are no surprises when you pick up your piece.